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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do we need a new science center? Why didn't we just renovate Chamberlin Hall?

We considered an addition-plus-renovation option carefully. It would have cost almost as much while providing space that would be far less suitable. Renovating Chamberlin for non-science uses was also considered.

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What is happening to Chamberlin?

We are working with the Madison Environmental Group on reusing, donating, selling, or recycling all of Chamberlin's furnishings and equipment that did not make the move to the new building.  As Chamberlin Hall is deconstructed, they will document the recycling of construction materials, which we expect to reach 95%.

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What happened to the Observatory?

The small telescopes moved to the observing area on the west roof of the south wing in the new building.  The 22 inch telescope will be relocated to the country west of town where the night sky is darker and the telescope can be used both on-site and remotely from campus.

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Will having a new building affect teaching and learning in science?

Over the past decade, we have experimented extensively with new approaches to teaching and learning, such as studio format and inquiry-based courses that integrate class, laboratory, and collaborative group work. New classroom/laboratory spaces facilitate this kind of experience-rich education. The new building also encourages and facilitates interdisciplinary teaching and research, as suggested by including Psychology in the new building.

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Were faculty or students involved in the planning and design of the facility?

We have followed the Project Kaleidoscope (PKAL) model of extensive faculty and student collaboration with the architects in the planning process in order to have a fully user-designed facility.

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Do students outside of the sciences benefit from this building?

In addition to the availability of a significant number of new "smart" classrooms for use by faculty and students throughout the college and moving the summer Center for Language Studies program into the building, we involved non-science faculty in the planning process to provide an environment that is inviting for formal and informal use by all campus groups.

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How does the building fit in with the beautiful, traditional Beloit campus?

The exterior of stone, brick, and smaller windows reflects the traditional design of nearby buildings while still projecting a thoroughly modern image. Use of native plants and a successional forest around the building is beginning the process of reestablishing the open oak savannah, remnants of which still exist along the bluff above the river, while the site opens up the traditional view from the campus toward the river.

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Can this center be used for purposes other than teaching?

The lecture hall, conference room, atrium, and garden provide an ideal setting for meetings and conferences. The atrium and garden are well suited for social gatherings of varying sizes.

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How can I financially support this project? 

To support this project, Make an Online Gift and designate it to the Center for the Sciences or go to Ways to Give for more information regarding giving options. If you have questions about how you or your organization can make a gift to the Center for the Sciences contact:

Tim McKearn, Director of Annual Giving
mckearnt@beloit.edu, 608.363.2054 or 800.331.4349

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Are there ways to name a lab or other room in honor of or in memory of someone? Can donors to the building be recognized if they so choose?

Naming opportunities at a variety of levels exist for donors and those they may wish to honor. For questions regarding naming opportunities, please contact:

Tim McKearn, Director of Annual Giving
mckearnt@beloit.edu, 608.363.2054 or 800.331.4349

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